Elections are an essential features of democracy. They connect public opinion with public policy and turn "rulers" into "leaders" subject to removal by popular vote. Without elections, the preferences of the public will not be heard by governmental officials. Well this isn't entirely true, since the public may then resort to violence. So elections can perhaps be best thought of as organized, contained means by which the public can influence, though not control, government. In the readings below you will note that a variety of elections exist, some unique the United States, others not.
You will also note that though the U.S. Constitution details how each institution is to be staffed, by designing four distinct processes, nothing is said about how these elections are to be organized. Poltiical parties were a controversial addition to the political landscape in the early years of the republic. Washington cautioned against them, but since they effectively organize both groups in Congress and electoral supporters, they quickly became indespensable parts of the governign process and in fact designed themselves into the very fabric of American government.
Answer each question below with at least 150 words.
1 - What is unique, historically, about the nature of representation as envisioned by the founders? What were the advantages and disadvantages of basis governmental decisions on representative bodies?
2 - Look at the Wikipedia sites on the current elections and outline the stakes involved in the presidential, senate and house elections. What issues are dominant? What predictions are being made about the outcome? Ask whatever other questions you think are appropriate.
3 - Explain, and critically evaluate, why Washington was opposed to the development of political parties.
4 - Detail very briefly how the Democratic and Republican parties were established and how they evolved over time.
5 - Outline the similarities and difference in the 2008 platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties.
Week Five
Elections and the Rise of Political Parties
Elections are an essential features of democracy. They connect public opinion with public policy and turn "rulers" into "leaders" subject to removal by popular vote. Without elections, the preferences of the public will not be heard by governmental officials. Well this isn't entirely true, since the public may then resort to violence. So elections can perhaps be best thought of as organized, contained means by which the public can influence, though not control, government. In the readings below you will note that a variety of elections exist, some unique the United States, others not.
You will also note that though the U.S. Constitution details how each institution is to be staffed, by designing four distinct processes, nothing is said about how these elections are to be organized. Poltiical parties were a controversial addition to the political landscape in the early years of the republic. Washington cautioned against them, but since they effectively organize both groups in Congress and electoral supporters, they quickly became indespensable parts of the governign process and in fact designed themselves into the very fabric of American government.
Readings:
Helpful Terminology:
Assignments:
Answer each question below with at least 150 words.
1 - What is unique, historically, about the nature of representation as envisioned by the founders? What were the advantages and disadvantages of basis governmental decisions on representative bodies?
2 - Look at the Wikipedia sites on the current elections and outline the stakes involved in the presidential, senate and house elections. What issues are dominant? What predictions are being made about the outcome? Ask whatever other questions you think are appropriate.
3 - Explain, and critically evaluate, why Washington was opposed to the development of political parties.
4 - Detail very briefly how the Democratic and Republican parties were established and how they evolved over time.
5 - Outline the similarities and difference in the 2008 platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties.
Due: April 19
email your answers to me.